Brian Schroeder—“Gus” to those who loved him longest—left this world peacefully on May 31st, 2026, wrapped in the presence of those who held him dearest. From the beginning, Gus’s heart was tuned toward connection. He wanted to help, to befriend, to love, and to be loved in return. He found joy in crafting and crocheting, in music and art, in the quiet magic of video games, and in the simple beauty of creating something with his hands. But his greatest devotion was to Ren, his steadfast companion. Ren, rescued from a puppy mill, needed a gentle soul to show him safety and tenderness—and Gus offered both without hesitation. For more than a decade, they were inseparable; finding a photograph of Gus without Ren beside him is nearly impossible. Gus moved through the world with a rare gift: he drew people in. Through his travels and his wandering spirit, he gathered a family not bound by blood but by choice, kindness, and shared life. He found parents in Thomas and Gloria Graham, who embraced him as one of their own, and in Ginetta and Bob Harris, who watched for him, making sure he was warm, safe, and never alone. He was cherished by his stepmother, Perlita Hess; his stepsister, Tari Haffner; and his half-sister, Pamela Schroeder. His closest family—those who stood with him at the end—are Rose and Bryan Graham. They lived with him, shared with him, and cared for him throughout his adult life. Gus was woven into their home and their hearts…their forever plus one; and their sons, Leon and Dwayne whom he loved deeply formed a patchwork family. Among those he called his sisters were Tammy, Emma, Aurora, Andy, Shelly, Tabby, Sunny, and Montel—each one held close in the constellation of his chosen family. When asked what made Gus “ours,” every voice echoed the same truth: he was loyal, fiercely and beautifully so. He was the Thelma to your inner Louise, the laughter that lifted a heavy day, the spark that warmed a room. His joy was contagious; his kindness, unforgettable. His absence leaves a hollow space in many hearts, but his love—bright, stubborn, and enduring—remains. His story is not one of endings, but of the countless lives he touched, the memories he shaped, and the love he leaves behind. Across five decades, Gus’s love, light, and unmistakable creativity helped him cultivate a community that stretched far beyond any single place, so memorial services will be next to impossible to orchestrate irl, so we will invite videos, and comments left to his Facebook and YouTube channels sharing your favorite memories and photos and most importantly updated music playlists he would love us to keep the music current between friends.